Dynamic Interference Avoidance in Multi-RAT Heterogeneous Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-tier heterogeneous networks, severe interference occurs due to spectral reuse across different radio access technologies, particularly affecting WiFi bands, which is dynamic and difficult to manage, leading to reduced spectral efficiency and quality of service.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic interference avoidance method by periodically re-partitioning users across LTE and WiFi interfaces using a Multi-RAT coordination function within an integrated node, which manages radio resources and adjusts RAT assignments based on real-time interference measurements to optimize network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spectral reuse is maximized across different radio access technologies in multi-tier networks, then network capacity and spectral efficiency are improved, but interference between tiers increases severely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic user mapping that adapts to changing interference conditions in real-time. The system continuously monitors interference levels and re-partitions users across LTE and WiFi interfaces dynamically, rather than using static assignments. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to maintain high spectral efficiency while avoiding interference-prone configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the partitioning parameters of user assignments across different radio interfaces based on measured interference conditions. By adjusting the mapping parameters dynamically according to actual network state, the system optimizes the trade-off between spectral reuse and interference mitigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If periodic muting is applied to macro-cells or small cells to protect transmissions, then interference is mitigated, but overall spectral efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidspectral efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the user population and assigns different users to different radio interfaces (LTE or WiFi) based on interference conditions. Instead of muting entire cells, the system partitions users across available interfaces, allowing continuous transmission while avoiding interference through intelligent user mapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system makes the network infrastructure multi-functional by enabling users to access services through multiple radio interfaces (both LTE and WiFi). This universality allows the network to switch interfaces dynamically without interrupting service, avoiding the need for muting while maintaining spectral efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If integrated multi-RAT infrastructure is deployed to lower costs and improve capacity, then network flexibility and capacity are enhanced, but interference management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidinterference management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service interference management mechanism where the system automatically monitors interference conditions and dynamically re-partitions users without manual intervention. The multi-RAT coordination function autonomously adapts to changing conditions, reducing the operational complexity despite the enhanced network flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring interference measurements and using this information to adjust user mapping decisions. This closed-loop control automates the interference management process, handling the complexity of multi-RAT coordination through real-time feedback-driven adaptations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2952032B1Dynamic interference avoidance in integrated multi-radio access technolgies (RAT) heterogeneous networks
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 INTEL CORP
  • EP2952032B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2952032B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2952032B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system provides dynamic interference avoidance in integrated multi-radio access technology (RAT) heterogeneous networks (Het-Nets). A multi-mode user equipment accesses mobile communications services using RATs. An integrated node provides a primary cell and at least one secondary cell to the multi-mode user equipment. Initial radio access technologies (RATs) are assigned to the multi-mode user equipment from among a plurality of RATs for use by the multi-mode user equipment. Quality metrics are collected across the plurality of RATs. RAT assignments are re-evaluated based on the collected quality metrics. To provide dynamic interference mitigation in multi-RAT Het-Nets, RAT assignments are periodically repartitioned from among the plurality of RATs for use by the multi-mode user equipment based on the re-evaluation of RAT assignments using the collected quality metrics.